Will a “D” affect my law school admission offer? Forum

[Steve2207]

It looks like I am going to get a D in a freshman level elective course; all because the teacher is a dick and makes getting a good grade nearly impossible for any student. A “D” in an elective is still passing at my school, so it will not prevent me from obtaining my degree, but will this affect my admission or scholarship offer from law school? I have already paid my seat deposit and arranged to relocate, I would hate for this to screw me out of beginning law school.

I have never made anything less than a B, so I am very disappointed and concerned about this. But, I will need a nearly perfect score on the final next week just to get a C, and I dont think that is very likely.

[Steve2207]

So is the lack of activity on this thread a sign that nobody knows the answer? Or, is it that I am clearly screwed.

[Young Marino]

So is the lack of activity on this thread a sign that nobody knows the answer? Or, is it that I am clearly screwed.

I think you're fine if you already paid the seat deposit. Maybe you want to call the institution to be absolutely sure?

[Steve2207]

I plan to call them, but I want to wait and see what the final grade comes out to. I think this douchebag teacher may decide to apply a curve to his grades; I have the second highest grade in the class at a 66%, and I am thinking that failing every student in the class may raise some eyebrows.

[Young Marino]

Did they admit you on a conditional basis to where gpa can't go down or this particular class has to be passed? If not, you should be fine

[Steve2207]

Did they admit you on a conditional basis to where gpa can't go down or this particular class has to be passed? If not, you should be fine

The only stipulation to my law school scholarship is that I remain a full-time student in good standing within their law program.
This grade will drop my undergrad GPA I am sure, but I am not sure if that will matter or not to the law school, nothing about GPA was mentioned in my admission letter.

[BullShitWithBravado]

Can you speak with an academic dean at your school, explain the situation, and see if you can withdraw from the class?

[Steve2207]

Can you speak with an academic dean at your school, explain the situation, and see if you can withdraw from the class?

If I withdraw from the class, I will be an elective short and therefore will not receive my degree. I think it would be best to just take the “D”, so long as it won’t matter to the law school.

[NewYorkL]

[ManOfTheMinute]

Ask the law school...

[20141023]

.

[Winston1984]

Dude, unless you make all A's your last semester, all law schools automatically change your admission decision to deny. Seriously though, why are you asking this? No school gives a shit if you made a D your last semester after you have been accepted and paid a deposit. Unless it drops your gpa significantly (which I doubt) you are fine.

[Steve2207]

I e-mailed the teacher today and told him about my situation. (I felt it was necessary to let him know I am actually a senior and that I have already been accepted into law school for next semester) , he said sometimes he gives students “the benefit of the doubt” with final grades, so I am hoping that translates to he will give me a decent grade even though my percentage is low.

I think there is a very good chance that if I hadn’t told him that, he would have gave me the D and just assumed I was some freshman that would retake next semester! In fact, I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will not give me the D anyway.

[Clearly]

-____-

[senorhosh]

I plan to call them, but I want to wait and see what the final grade comes out to. I think this douchebag teacher may decide to apply a curve to his grades; I have the second highest grade in the class at a 66%, and I am thinking that failing every student in the class may raise some eyebrows.

Lol 4 years of UG and you haven't learned?

There will be a curve.

[heywatchitbuddy]

I plan to call them, but I want to wait and see what the final grade comes out to. I think this douchebag teacher may decide to apply a curve to his grades; I have the second highest grade in the class at a 66%, and I am thinking that failing every student in the class may raise some eyebrows.

Lol 4 years of UG and you haven't learned?

There will be a curve.

this. OP will probably get an A if he's the second highest...

[lawschoolwoohoo]

You could also see if you could get out of the class before grades come out and see if your UG has a program where you can take one or two last credits over the summer, but still walk at graduation. My school does that. You could just sign up for an easier elective and knock it out over the summer before law school if you're concerned.

[Lumieres]

Get As in all of your other classes so your GPA doesn't take a hit.

Law Schools expect your GPA to remain the same, or increase, from the GPA in your LS application.

[IAFG]

I am glad so many TLSers are experts on UG grading schemes. Jackasses.

OP, do not update your grades to LSAC unless the school demands that you do.

[Lumieres]

Op needs to end up sending a final transcript though before classes start.

[IAFG]

Op needs to end up sending a final transcript though before classes start.

UVA has, in the past, had students just never update LSAC. Pretty sure it isn't required.

[bp shinners]

Op needs to end up sending a final transcript though before classes start.

UVA has, in the past, had students just never update LSAC. Pretty sure it isn't required.

LSAC does, in fact, require that you update them with any new grade information. They may not enforce it, but it is required. And I'm sure UVA has had that happen, but all law schools require an updated transcript before you start your enrollment. Again, it might not be universally enforced, but it's technically required.

And to Lumieres: Law schools won't really care if your GPA takes a bit of a hit. They might expect your GPA to stay the same or increase, but they won't bat an eye if it decreases (unless you start failing classes). No need to worry the OP - he will probably be fine even if his GPA dips a bit.

[Clearly]

Try switching to pass/fail...

[09042014]

I plan to call them, but I want to wait and see what the final grade comes out to. I think this douchebag teacher may decide to apply a curve to his grades; I have the second highest grade in the class at a 66%, and I am thinking that failing every student in the class may raise some eyebrows.

1) How do you know you are the second highest at 66%

2) How do you know 66% = D?

[09042014]

If it's your only poor grade, it won't hurt your GPA that much. I got into a bunch of law schools with a D+.